Menu
In the News
In the Almanac
In the News
In the Almanac
Sarah_Jane_Weaver.0.jpeg
Sarah Jane Weaver

Sarah Jane Weaver is the executive editor of the Church News. Since 1995 she has covered, among other things, the Church’s welfare services, Church Education and social issues impacting Latter-day Saints. Her favorite assignments include reporting on temple dedications and writing about members around the world. Sarah graduated from BYU with a degree in journalism and history and served as editor in chief of the BYU student newspaper, the Daily Universe. Before joining the Deseret News staff, she completed a Pulliam Fellowship at the Arizona Republic in Phoenix, Ariz.

Two former stake presidents walk on the Okinawa Japan Temple grounds.
Temples
Both lost family in WWII, now former stake presidents in Okinawa share their journey from sorrow to peace — and a temple
Former leaders in Okinawa lost their fathers in World War II and now rejoice that a temple — the Okinawa Japan Temple — will grace their land.
Aerial video of Oxford, England, with “Across the Isle” in left corner.
Living Faith
Video: How 2 friends from different faiths are linking arms ‘across the isle’
This Church News video, titled “Across the Isle,” features Elder Matthew S. Holland and the Rev. Dr. Andrew Teal talking about their friendship and the discussions they shared about their disciplines and perspectives.
merlin_3003922.jpg
Members
Early branch president in Okinawa, now 93, returns to Japan for dedication of the Okinawa temple
“The Church [in Okinawa] has come 360 degrees since then — from nothing to a temple,” he said.
DSC04835.JPG
Leaders & Ministry
Elder Andersen visits Mongolia, where pioneering members continue to help the Church grow, prosper after 30 years
President Russell M. Nelson announced a temple for Mongolia in October general conference. “We feel the Lord’s love for His people,” a local leader said.
Screenshot_2023_11_07_at_1.26.24_PM.png
Podcast
Episode 161: Oxford’s the Rev. Dr. Andrew Teal — Part 2: The reverberations of interfaith friendships with David W. Checketts and Deb Checketts, former mission leaders in England
The discussion continues on interfaith friendship and community building.
The Rev. Teal speaks in his office, with tall red bookshelves filled with books behind him, along with BYU pendant on a ball and scarf on a shelf.
Living Faith
The friendship of the Rev. Dr. Andrew Teal and leaders of the Church of Jesus Christ ‘has brought me to a deeper love of Jesus Christ’
Rev. Dr. Andrew Teal, Elder Matthew S. Holland and President David Checketts embarked on a journey that led to a “blossoming of connection with God’s children.”
Combination image showing Elder Cook, Bishop Caussé and Elder Godoy outside with local Church leaders in Almaty, Kazakhstan, left, and in Uzhhorod, Ukraine, right.
Leaders & Ministry
Despite challenges in Europe, members continue living the gospel of Jesus Christ, reports Elder Cook after recent visit
“We can be determined not to let the world’s wickedness, contentions and divisions invade the sanctity of our united effort to follow and worship the Savior,” Elder Quentin L. Cook said after ministry in Eastern Europe.
In this Church News video, titled “A Sacred Bridge,” Rev. Dr. Andrew Teal discusses his friendship with the former England London Mission leaders, David and Deb Checketts.
Living Faith
Video: How an interfaith friendship is creating a ‘Sacred Bridge’
This Church News video, titled “A Sacred Bridge,” features the Rev. Dr. Andrew Teal, whose mission is to grow unity between faiths through understanding.
The Rev. Dr. Andrew Teal joins the Church News podcast.
Podcast
Episode 160: Oxford’s the Rev. Dr. Andrew Teal — Part 1: Building bridges of interfaith friendship with Elder Matthew S. Holland of the Seventy; with Sheri Dew as guest host
In the first in a two-part series, Elder Holland and the Rev. Teal are joined by guest host Sheri Dew to discuss interfaith friendship and community building.
A state of the Prophet Joseph Smith is seen in profile.
History Revisited
Video: Lessons from Joseph Smith’s desire to repent
“One of the greatest messages of Joseph’s life is his need and his desire to repent and be forgiven,” says Elder Kyle S. McKay, Church historian and recorder and a General Authority Seventy, in the Church News video “Daily Repentance.”
Issac and Rebecca Goeckeritz pose for a photo outdoors.
Podcast
Episode 159: Issac and Rebecca Goeckeritz on dealing with disappointment, using talents to bring people to Christ
Issac and Rebecca Goeckeritz join the Church News podcast to share what they have learned while working with the Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra at Temple Square.
Sister Kathleen Eyring and President Henry B. Eyring watching a show in the Polynesian Cultural Center.
Living Faith
Sarah Jane Weaver: How Sister Kathleen Eyring blessed my life with a smile
Sister Kathleen J. Eyring died Oct. 15, 2023, after a life of service to her family and the Church.
Ronald K. Esplin and other historians join the Church News podcast to share what they have learned about the Prophet Brigham Young.
Podcast
Episode 158: Ronald K. Esplin, other historians discuss the upcoming Brigham Young Papers project and the prophet’s life and legacy
Church News podcast features historians sharing what they have learned by studying Brigham Young’s letters, journals.
Elder David A. Bednar gives a hand heart to Snow College students after a devotional in Ephraim.
Leaders & Ministry
Press forward with faith, Elder and Sister Bednar tell Snow College students in Ephraim
Elder David A. Bednar asked students if they appreciate the “remarkable and marvelous season” in which they live.
President Henry B. Eyring and Sister Kathleen Johnson Eyring.
Leaders & Ministry
Video: A memorial tribute to Kathleen Johnson Eyring, who spent her life serving others and strengthening her family
This Church News video features President Henry B. Eyring talking about his wife and her final years.
The thumbnail for the latest Church News video, an aerial shot of the Missionary Training Center and surroundings in Provo, Utah, with the caption “Future Missionaries.”
Leaders & Ministry
Video: What Church leaders hope for the next generation of missionaries
This generation of missionaries will be more successful than any generation in leading others to Jesus Christ, says Elder Christofferson.
Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, in white, and Sister Harriet Uchtdorf, left, talk with Gabrielle and Christylee Jara and their children — Gabrielle, 10, Sarai, and Jasmine — prior to the the McAllen Texas Temple’s dedication on Sunday, Oct. 8, 2023.
Temples
McAllen Texas Temple dedication bridges borders, Elder Uchtdorf says
In the U.S.-Mexico border town where families are sometimes divided by literal and figurative walls, the temple represents peace and unity.
A painting of Joseph Smith and his father, mother and brothers and sisters.
History Revisited
Video: How Joseph Smith’s family was ‘A Family of Faith’
When angel Moroni appeared to Joseph Smith — 200 years ago — it became “a family experience,” historians share in this Church News video “A Family of Faith.”
President Russell M. Nelson addresses members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints during October 2023 general conference.
Podcast
Episode 156: October 2023 general conference — Leaders emphasize covenant keeping and invite all to ‘think celestial’
Church News podcast features October 2023 general conference speakers, temple announcements.
President M. Russell Ballard, Acting President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, speaks during the Sunday morning session.
General Conference
President M. Russell Ballard: ‘The Prophet Joseph Smith’
“My message this morning is simple. It is deep. And it is full of love for the Prophet Joseph Smith,” said President M. Russell Ballad.
merlin_858578.jpg
Living Faith
Sarah Jane Weaver: My journey to understand why ‘prophets face lions’
After learning of President Nelson’s recent fall, Church News executive editor reflects on the lessons she learned from President Monson.
President Russell M. Nelson sits with his counselors, President Dallin H. Oaks and President Henry B. Eyring, during his 99th birthday party at the Church Administration Building on Friday, Sept. 8, 2023.
Leaders & Ministry
After recent fall, President Russell M. Nelson to participate in general conference remotely
“I pray that each of us, wherever we may be, will approach this sacred weekend with our hearts full of gratitude,” writes President Russell M. Nelson.
An aerial shot of Bronco Mendenhall’s farm in Bigfork, Montana.
Members
Video: How Bronco Mendenhall would help his football players find answers to questions
Former coach Bronco Mendenhall says in this Church News video titled “Disciple of Christ” that learning to find answers to your questions may be as important as learning to play football.
BYU President C. Shane Reese joins the Church News podcast.
Podcast
Episode 155: Getting to know President C. Shane Reese, the new president of Brigham Young University
The Church News podcast features an interview with President C. Shane Reese on his feelings for BYU, his career and history, and his passion for statistics and Church education.
President Russell M. Nelson departs after speaking at the 2023 Seminar for New Mission Leaders at the Provo MTC.
Leaders & Ministry
Leaders of the Church teach from ‘Preach My Gospel’ during 2023 mission leadership seminar
Second edition of “Preach My Gospel” is an enhanced resource to all members and missionaries in sharing the restored gospel of Jesus Christ.
President Russell M. Nelson and Elder Gary E. Stevenson speak during a news conference in Chile.
Living Faith
Sarah Jane Weaver: How President Nelson’s invitation to ‘eat your vitamin pills, get some rest’ is needed now
Recent events in the Church of Jesus Christ reflect President Russell M. Nelson’s words about the increasing reach and influence of the Church and its members.
Stained glass window depicts the First Vision with the title “Ongoing Restoration” in the bottom left corner.
History Revisited
Video: Church historians on the ‘Ongoing Restoration’ and mark 200th anniversary of angel Moroni appearing to Joseph Smith
Since the angel Moroni appeared to Joseph Smith 200 years ago and shared about the Book of Mormon, the Restoration of the gospel has been ongoing, historians say in Church News video “Ongoing Restoration.”
Elder Kyle S. McKay, a General Authority Seventy and Church historian and recorder, joins the Church News podcast to speak about the 200th anniversary of the Moroni’s first four appearances to Joseph and the coming forth of the Book of Mormon.
Podcast
Episode 154: Church historians on 200th anniversary of angel Moroni’s first visits to Joseph Smith and coming forth of the Book of Mormon
The Church News podcast features Church Historian and Recorder, Elder Kyle S. McKay, and Keith A. Erekson of the Church History Department.
Elder D. Todd Christofferson greets members after a Spanish-language devotional originating in Mexico City.
Leaders & Ministry
Church leaders emphasize education during historic Spanish-language devotional originating from Mexico City
Education has always been a fundamental belief of the gospel of Jesus Christ, explained Elder Christofferson, Elder Rasband and President Johnson in Latin American devotional.
President Russell M. Nelson, during his career as a heart surgeon, explains a surgical procedure to a nurse.
Living Faith
Sarah Jane Weaver: How President Nelson’s invitations to forgive are good for our hearts — both spiritually and physically
Research shows people who struggle with being unforgiving have a “25% to 50% increased risk of also having had some sort of cardiovascular health problem.”